Does having an appliance “on” during a lightning surge make it more susceptible to being zapped, and, if so, why?
Because the on/off switch, which connects the appliance to the power line, is closed in the ON position. In the OFF position, the switch is open, which means a surge would have to arc across the contacts to get to the appliance. But a strong surge could easily arc across the contacts.
Unplugging the appliance is the safest way to go during lightning storms.
Because the on/off switch, which connects the appliance to the power line is closed (in the ON position). In the OFF position, the switch is open, which means a surge would have to arc across the contacts to get to the appliance. But a strong surge could easily arc across the contacts.
Unplugging the appliance is the safest way to go during lightning storms.
Because the on/off switch, which connects the appliance to the power line is closed (in the ON position). In the OFF position, the switch is open, which means a surge would have to arc across the contacts to get to the appliance. But a strong surge could easily arc across the contacts.
Unplugging the appliance is the safest way to go during lightning storms.
Yep, you can say that again.
And the second wire into the appliance goes to ground at your breaker box. If your house is properly wired (especially if your outlets are properly polarized), a lightning strike will not travel by that wire.